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2025/26 Special Presentations & Holiday Concerts

Enjoy thrilling concerts all season long!

Film + Live Orchestra
TOP GUN: MAVERICK IN CONCERT

Friday, October 17, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Do you feel the need… the need for speed? Buckle up for the ultimate adrenaline rush as Top Gun: Maverick takes flight on the big screen, with the Kansas City Symphony performing the electrifying score live!

From the iconic sounds of “Danger Zone” to the soaring melodies of Lady Gaga, Hans Zimmer, Lorne Balfe and Harold Faltermeyer, this high-octane cinematic experience will have your heart racing as you relive the Academy Award®-winning blockbuster in a whole new way.

A Royal Albert Hall production in association with esk film

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Silent Film + Organ
DOROTHY PAPADAKOS: THE LODGER

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Step into the suspenseful world of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Lodger,” his first true hit, in this edge-of-your-seat experience. Join audience favorite Dorothy Papadakos as she improvises a mesmerizing live organ accompaniment to this 1927 silent classic.

With its haunting atmosphere, “The Lodger” is a perfect match for the dramatic sounds of the Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman Casavant organ. Papadakos expertly brings the film to life with music improvised in real time, offering a unique blend of cinematic history and live performance. A must-see for classic film enthusiasts, music lovers and anyone who craves a fresh, immersive experience.

The Kansas City Symphony does not perform on this concert.

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Film + Live Orchestra
ELF IN CONCERT

Friday, November 28, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Buddy the Elf is back — bigger, merrier and more magical than ever! Experience the beloved holiday film like never before as a live symphony orchestra performs John Debney’s enchanting score in sync with the movie on the big screen.

From director Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell, this unforgettable concert blends laughter, holiday spirit, and cinematic magic for a one-of-a-kind experience your friends and family will love.

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Holiday Concert
HANDEL’S MESSIAH

Friday, December 5, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Experience the powerful and reimagined tradition of Messiah like never before! Handel’s timeless masterpiece comes to life in the breathtaking acoustics of Helzberg Hall, performed by your Kansas City Symphony and Symphony Chorus alongside dynamic guest vocalists. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Messiah for the first time, this exhilarating performance — featuring nearly 150 musicians — promises to uplift, inspire and unite audiences of all backgrounds. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of music, spirit and community that reminds us that we are all part of something greater — a shared human story told through the universal language of music.

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Special Events
LESLIE ODOM, JR: CHRISTMAS SHOW

Friday, December 12, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Be in the room where it happens! Originator of the role of Aaron Burr in Broadway’s megahit Hamilton, Grammy® and Tony® award-winner Leslie Odom, Jr. returns to Kansas City to join your Kansas City Symphony for a one-of-a-kind Christmas concert in Helzberg Hall. Experience vocal prowess and irresistible charisma in a show featuring orchestrated versions of Christmas carols, Broadway songs and popular music hits. Don’t be the one left saying “What’d I miss?” — secure your tickets today!

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Holiday Concert
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Celebrate the magic of the season with the Kansas City Symphony and Symphony Chorus in this dazzling holiday tradition! Experience the joy of Christmas through enticing symphonic arrangements, fresh takes on beloved carols by vocalist Melinda Doolittle and heartwarming surprises that will fill you with festive cheer. Bring the whole family, a date or your friends and sing along as special guests light up the stage — including a special early visit from Santa himself! Don’t miss this unforgettable musical celebration that will make your holiday season shine.

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Film + Live Orchestra
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE IN CONCERT

Tuesday, December 23 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 24 at 11 a.m.

Experience the magic of the season as Frank Capra’s beloved holiday classic comes to life in a whole new way! Watch It’s a Wonderful Life on the big screen while the orchestra performs Dimitri Tiomkin’s timeless score live — surrounding you in the heartwarming spirit of the film like never before.

Feel the joy, hope and nostalgia as George Bailey’s journey reminds us of the true meaning of the season. From moving orchestral melodies to the film’s most touching moments, this is a concert that will make you laugh, cry and believe in the power of second chances.

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Film + Live Orchestra
INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK IN CONCERT

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Embark on the epic adventure of everyone’s favorite archaeologist and action hero like never before! Follow along with the heart-pounding escapades of Indiana Jones as he travels across the globe to find the Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the wrong hands. Your Kansas City Symphony performs John Williams’ legendary score live and in sync with Steven Spielberg’s unforgettable film.

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts.
Motion Picture & Artwork © 1981 Lucasfilm Ltd. Concert performed under license from Disney Concerts.
Disney Concerts under license from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Pictures.

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Special Events
CHRIS THILE WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Experience musical genius like never before as Grammy® Award-winning mandolinist and singer/songwriter Chris Thile joins the Kansas City Symphony for one unforgettable evening. A founding member of the acclaimed bluegrass bands Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, Thile is praised by The Guardian as “that rare being — an all-round musician who can settle into any style, from bluegrass to classical.” His virtuosity, storytelling and ability to blend genres will captivate you, making this a performance you won’t want to miss.

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Film + Live Orchestra
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS™ IN CONCERT

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 20, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Cars fly, trees fight back and monsters are on the loose in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! This concert features the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ on a giant screen, while your Kansas City Symphony performs John Williams’ unforgettable score. Relive every magical moment as the music brings life to a story that has enchanted the world.

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.

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